Katate kosadori kokyu nage – Aikido Yuishinkai

In the below video Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the Aikido technique katate kosadori kokyu nage as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai. The technique is categorised as a “breath throw” (kokyu nage) and is trained from a traditional attack in the form of a cross-hand grab (katate kosadori).

Katate kosadori kokyu nage has a long history in Aikido practice. There are numerous recordings dating as far back as the 1930’s of the Founder of Aikido (Master Morihei Uesiba) demonstrating the technique.

Training at reitai level is sometimes described as “no touch” Aikido. The difficulty with this descriptor is that it suggests something pseudo mystical is happening which could not be further than the truth. The uke falls without being touched for no other reason than to avoid being “palmed in the face” (for want of a better description) by a centred nage.

Katate kosadori kokyu nage – Basic levels

The above video demonstrates and provides instruction for katate kosadori kokyu nage as practised at ryutai or free flowing level. However, it is often difficult for students to initially practice a technique at this level.

To assist students to learn the basic shapes and principles for free flowing practice, preliminary exercises are practised which in essence are simplified versions of the flowing technique. They are also practised static and cooperatively. These learning exercises are referred to as practising a technique at kotai and juntai levels. It is emphasised that these levels of practice are only exercises to learn principles applicable to Aikido practice, they are not Aikido techniques.

In the below video Maruyama Sensei provides detailed instruction for katate kosadori kokyu nage at both kotai and juntai level.